Options comply with new law on using cell phones while driving

Both hands on the wheel

Courtesy photos
The BMW M3, at a base price of $56,500, is among the cars that offer built-in hands-free technology options.

Courtesy of Garmin
The Garmin Nuvi 660

Starting July 1, those holding cell phones to their ears while driving face a base fine of $20 plus any other penalties under California's new law prohibiting anyone from using a handheld cellular phone while driving.

Do it again and the base fine goes up to $50.

There's no grace period. The state, California Highway Patrol and others have been issuing warnings. The time draws near.

But these days, there is more technology than ever to let drivers continue to chat while both hands are on the wheel. They owe their proliferation to ubiquitous Bluetooth technology that lets cell phones wirelessly connect with hands-free systems. We've rounded up a few of them here.

One thing to note: If you're younger than 18, even these devices won't be enough. The state has decided that anyone younger than 18 shouldn't be using a telephone, pager, laptop or any other electronic device — even a hands-free device — while driving.

Headsets: Perhaps the simplest solution is to join the ranks of those who constantly have small devices looped over their ears that let them talk at a moment's notice. Here's a top-rated headset.

The Motorola H700 headset won kudos for easily flipping open and shut to turn on and off and for being very good for listening and talking.

Price: $100.

Need another option? Check out http://www.freeheadset.org. This organization makes headsets available at discounted prices, some just for the cost of shipping, to get more headsets into people's hands so that they can keep those hands on the wheel.

Aftermarket installation: These are recommended for installation by approved dealers so that everything gets hooked up right. They and your car's stereo system are basically integrated.

The Parrot CK3200 is highly rated, and includes voice recognition and a large color screen that can show contacts as well as their photos. Reviewers say that the system is easy to use, and that call quality is clear both through the speakers and on the other end from the system's microphone. Music is muted during calls.

Price: $150-$200.

Do-it-yourself: Nobody said you have to rely on installation experts. The motorMouth DIY car kit from Scosche provides a "plug-and-play" option allowing you to plug the Bluetooth receiver into the MP3/AUX input in new vehicles and aftermarket stereos. The device plays phone calls through the car's speakers, muting the music during a call and bringing it back on when the call ends.

Price: $100.

More for more: Why stop at phone calls? These days, you can get a device with GPS to get you where you're going and hands-free phone access so you can call ahead to let someone know that you're coming. More features mean more money, so be ready for the price tag.

The Garmin Nuvi 660 GPS device is portable so you can switch it from car to car. It has integrated Bluetooth, and the phone icon on the main menu lets the user dial out. The voice leading you through the directions to your destination will mute if a call comes in.

Price: $300-$680.

In-car: If you're in the market for a new set of wheels, there's always the option of getting a hands-free system that's already installed by the manufacturer. The BMW M3 Coupe was named a top 5 tech car by CNET, which noted that the built-in Bluetooth cell phone system worked without a hitch.